As men age, many experience changes in their urinary habits., often due to inflammation or enlargement of the prostate gland.
However, an enlarged prostate gland doesn’t always lead to urinary issues. Urinary symptoms are rarely an indication of prostate cancer.
In older men, these symptoms may be caused by a blockage in the urinary tubes due to a benign enlargement of the prostate gland.
The most common symptom is difficulty fully emptying your bladder. Urinary problems may become bothersome enough to require treatment.
Some common prostate-related urinary issues include frequent nighttime urination, a sudden urge to urinate, and the feeling of needing to go again shortly after urinating.
Understanding Prostate Health and Urinary Problems
With growing age, men often develop urinary issues, commonly triggered by inflammation of the prostate gland.
Men over 40 years old may face urinary problems due to blockages in the vas deferens, which can contribute to male infertility. Some of the common causes of prostate-related urinary issues include:
- Prostate gland enlargement: An enlarged prostate gland is a common cause that increases urination problems.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate, often caused by bacteria, can cause urinary problems. The exact cause of this inflammation is still unclear. If you experience groin or lower back pain, mild fever, and frequent urination, it’s important to consult a doctor.
- BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia): BPH leads to symptoms by obstructing the urine flow through the urethra. About one in four experiences symptoms of BPH by age 55, and in half of men by age 75.
- Prostate Cancer: Occasionally, urinary problems are caused by a prostate cancer tumor pressing on the urethra. However, most urinary issues are because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous condition that enlarges the prostate.
Symptoms of urinary problems
Some of the urinary-related symptoms include:
- Frequent urination during the night
- Increased urination during the day
- Sudden, intense urge to urinate, which may make it difficult to reach the toilet in time
- Delay in starting the urine stream
- Urinary dripping for a while after finishing urination
- Feeling like the bladder isn't completely emptied after urination
- Week urine flow, making it difficult to control; the stream
- The sensation of needing to urinate again shortly after finishing.
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to visit a urologist for a prompt diagnosis and treatment. Delaying identifying these symptoms in time could lead to serious consequences.
Lifestyle Changes for Managing Urinary Issues
If your urination issues are mild and not overly bothersome, lifestyle changes can help manage them. Some adjustments you can practice at home include:
- Reducing beverages such as coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, and alcohol, especially before bedtime, if nighttime urination is disturbing your sleep
- Modifying your diet by cutting back on processed foods, particularly refined carbohydrates
- Increasing your level of physical activity
- Practicing pelvic floor exercises and bladder retraining techniques may help to alleviate certain urinary symptoms. Remember to consult your doctor for guidance.
Medical Treatments for Prostate-Related Urinary Problems
If your urinary problems are caused by prostate gland infection, treatment options may include:
- A prolonged course of antibacterial medication to eliminate bacterial prostatitis. Since urinary infections can be difficult to eliminate, you may need to take the medication for several weeks
- Medication to improve urine flow and relieve symptoms caused by enlarged prostate obstruction.
- Surgical procedures to remove blockages due to an enlarged prostate may also be recommended. A urologist will diagnose your condition and suggest the most appropriate surgery based on the size of the prostate and the state of the urethra.
Types of procedures include:
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
- Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
- Laser resection of the prostate including green light laser [PVP] or holmium laser enucleation prostatectomy [HoLEP]
- Open surgery prostatectomy (for very large glands)
- Aqua-ablation or Rezum treatment which involves the removal of prostate tissue using water jets
- UroLift®: for men whose symptoms persist despite medication but whose prostates aren’t large enough to require invasive surgery. This procedure involves placing staples through the urethra to separate the prostate lobes. It has minimal side effects and preserves both ejaculatory and erectile function.
Alternative Therapies
In addition to medical treatments and surgical options, various herbal remedies and supplements may help prevent urinary problems.
However, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, as they may react negatively to medications you’re currently using.
The over-the-counter supplement 'saw palmetto' (Serenoa repens) is sometimes recommended. This may benefit some men, particularly those experiencing frequent nighttime urination.
In addition, Pygeum africanum and Pumpkin seed oil have been shown to support your prostate to shrink.
Moreover, acupuncture is another alternative treatment for urinary problems. Research indicates it can increase the amount of urine a bladder can hold and reduce both the urgency and frequency of urination.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention immediately if you:
- Are unable to pass urine or fully empty their bladder, which could indicate urinary retention
- Urinate frequently—eight or more a day
- Notice blood in your urine, a condition called hematuria
- Experience bladder infection symptoms, such as painful urination
Note that conducting regular urological checkups can help detect these issues early, allowing for timely treatment and improved results.
FAQs
What is the main cause of prostate problems?
The exact cause of prostate enlargement remains unclear. Factors associated with aging and cellular changes in the testicles may contribute to the gland's growth, along with fluctuations in testosterone levels.
How can we solve the urine problem?
To address urinary issues, increase your water intake and practice pelvic floor exercises. These muscles play a crucial role in retaining urine within the bladder.
How to improve urine flow in men?
Apply heat to your lower abdomen, between your belly button and pubic bone, where the bladder is located. The warmth helps to relax the muscles and promote urination. You can also gently massage or apply light pressure over the bladder to assist in emptying it.
Supplements to increase urine flow?
Several supplements that may enhance urine flow include saw palmetto extract, green tea, beta-sitosterol, and Pygeum africanum.
How Can I Clean My Prostate Naturally?
Maintain prostate health by consuming nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, seeds, beans, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises. Additionally, reduce or avoid foods and drinks that may aggravate symptoms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, prostate-related urinary problems, such as frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, or weak urine flow, are common, especially as men age.
Conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and, less commonly, prostate cancer, can lead to these symptoms.
Early detection through regular checkups, along with lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, surgical interventions, can help manage these issues effectively.
Complementary treatments like pelvic floor exercises, a healthy diet, and herbal supplements may also support prostate health.